Abstract
Cosmogenically produced 3He in rocks can be used to date geomorphologic surfaces. Using the Late Pleistocene Bonneville flood event, the subsequent development of the Provo shoreline, and associated volcanic rocks, a production rate of 432 atoms/g/yr in olivine is determined for 38°56′ N latitude (present geomagnetic latitude 46.5°) at 1445 m altitude integrated over the last 14,400 years. Measurements of cosmogenic helium in flood deposits, on river-scoured surfaces, and lava flows show that it is possible to date directly large-scale events such as volcanic eruptions and catastrophic floods. Olivine and pyroxene are both satisfactory minerals for cosmogenic dating by the 3He method. However, in most cases, plagioclase and quartz are unsuitable because they do not quantitatively retain helium isotopes in their lattices.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.